Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro review

The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro is one of the highest-resolution resin printers available, with a 14k screen enabling a resolution of 13,312 x 5,120px over the 10.1-inch screen. This resolution should translate to incredible quality prints that will leave the competition in its wake. 

The overall design is very AnyCubic, as the company often opts for pure functionality over design aesthetics. Indeed, the machine itself reflects the Mono machines that have come before, but inside, the technology has taken a huge step forward. The high-resolution screen is the big hitter when it comes to features, but there are also the heater and air purification system and 105mm/h print speed. While the machine itself might not reflect the best 3D printer technology it contains, it is a machine of real interest and potential for several reasons.

The first is the cover, an essential part of the resin printer. While it's nothing outwardly wrong, most other manufacturers adopt a flip-up design that is much more user-friendly.

The heat and cleaner are also great additions that significantly improve the quality of the prints. However, their integration into the design isn't as refined, especially compared to direct competition like the Uniformation GKTwo and Creality HALOT-MAGE PRO. Still, when it comes to print quality, it's hard to argue with the capabilities of the 14k screen and the prints it enables you to create.

Anycubic Photon Mono M5s: Design

AnyCubic is known for making outstanding-quality machines that are functional, reliable, and capable of producing high-quality prints. This reputation holds for both its resin and FFF printers. However, while most other printer manufacturers have innovated with their designs, AnyCubic has remained reserved, sticking to what's familiar and maintaining its loyal user base.

The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro is disappointingly similar to previous mono machines, with some small design tweaks, but ultimately, it's an ultra-functional machine that's slightly uninspired in design. The bright yellow UV protective cover remains a lift-off rather than a flip-up like most modern machines. While some people will appreciate the ability to remove the lid completely, these days, that shouldn't be necessary, and for accessibility and ease, a flip lid is much easier.

The resin tray is once again bolted down rather than a quick release. While this is still the most common approach, it could be more convenient when it comes to cleaning. This resin tank is also manually filled; there's no issue there, but with plenty of autofill options available, it seems a shame that something has yet to be innovated in this area, especially considering the cost of resin.

That said, the machine has plenty to get excited about. Underneath that resin tank is the ultra-high-resolution 14k screen, making it the highest-resolution printer we have examined. While the machine's aesthetics might not excite, the technology does.

A significant advancement for this machine is the integration of the heater and cleaner, which ensures the resin is kept in ideal conditions and helps reduce blemishes and other issues. Then, there's a series of advanced print monitoring with smart detection features. This style of monitoring is relatively new to resin printers, so its inclusion here is great.

Like most resin machines, we also have the touchscreen interface, which is very AnyCubic, simple, yet perfectly functional.

Anycubic Photon Mono M5s: Features

The AnyCubic Photon Mono M5s Pro promises exceptional detail and precision with its industry-leading 10.1-inch monochrome LCD. It delivers a 14K resolution and an XY resolution of 16.8*24.8μm, which is comparable to the thickness of a hair. AnyCubic has combined this high resolution with 85% light uniformity to ensure fine detail and sharp edges.

Innovatively designed, it incorporates an air heater and purifier module, maintaining a consistent air temperature of up to 40℃ to keep the resin above 20℃ for optimal printing in colder conditions. It also includes a high-quality activated carbon component to absorb resin odours, thus creating a more pleasant printing environment.

The printer's high-speed capabilities, with an average print speed of 105mm/h, are supported by its third-generation high-speed ACF film. This film reduces peeling force, lowers the peeling height, and increases lifting speed, thereby enhancing the printer's performance and reliability.

A standout feature of the Photon Mono M5s Pro is its leveling-free design, which, through floating platform technology and internal sensors, adjusts to ensure consistent printing quality. Furthermore, the printer is equipped with smart detection systems that prevent screen breakage by identifying resin residue and adjusting the peeling height according to the model's shape, thus improving the success rate and speed of printing.

Completing the feature set is the printer's compatibility with the Anycubic App. This app facilitates one-touch printing from a wide selection of pre-sliced models and enables efficient print management and troubleshooting. This app integration represents a significant advancement in making 3D printing more accessible and user-friendly.

With these advanced features, the AnyCubic Photon Mono M5s Pro is well-suited for both professional and hobbyist users who demand high-quality, detailed prints, and a reliable, user-friendly printing experience.

Anycubic Photon Mono M5s: Performance

As with all resin printers, the print quality depends on the conditions and the resin used. For this test, the tank was filled with high-speed resin to put the printer to the test in terms of print quality and speed. I have used this resin in the past and am not a fan.

While the resin prints fast and is high quality, it is extremely tough and brittle from the outset. This means that you need to be extremely careful with how the supports are applied to the models using the Anycubic Photon Software. Even with the models that Anycubic supplies as an example of the quality, the printer suffers from the overapplication of supports and the impossibility of support removal.

However, swapping the resin for one of the company's other resins, such as their well-priced standard resin, results in slower but still fast prints, and the results are far easier to extract from the support system.

Overall, the quality of the prints is fantastic, challenging far more expensive printers in terms of the overall finish.

After washing and removing the support trees and curing in the superb Anycubic Wash & Cure Max Machine, the final prints are of extremely high quality.

Regarding machine maintenance, the main point is to be careful with the High-Speed Resin. Updates to the Anycubic software have improved the application of the support tree. Still, it's crucial to experiment fully with the tree application before using and adjusting every model. This material is good but very brittle; with all these issues, the flip side is that the material does what it is designed to do and enables you to print very high-quality prints extremely quickly and with great detail.

Ultimately, this resin printer's print quality, with its high 14k resolution, is outstanding. Still, as always, to achieve the best results, you will need to do some legwork when finishing the models, especially being careful with the high-speed resin.

Anycubic Photon Mono M5s: Final verdict

This is an outstanding-quality resin 3D printer, only held back by its machine design rather than the quality of the prints it produces. The design is tried and tested, and while some aesthetic tweaks have been made compared to past models, the actual usability could be better.

For example, the protective lid rests on top of the base and can be lifted completely clear. Some might prefer this design in a workshop or studio, while the more common flip-up design is much neater and more suitable for a busy creative environment.

There's the resin tank, again using the same foundational design that Anycubic has always employed. Bolts hold it securely to the base. This works but feels a bit dated, as other machines offer slick quick-release mechanisms.

The addition of the heater and filter system is superb, and it's great to see. Still, with its power supply and slightly makeshift integration and attachment design, it feels like a must-have afterthought rather than a smoothly integrated part of the system.

Putting these points aside, they are minor and shouldn't overshadow the fact that this is one of the best resin 3D printers out there. The Pro model has built on the quality of the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s with enhanced resolution and features. Used carefully, with the support trees correctly set within the Anycubic Photon Workshop software at that 14k resolution, this machine can print models of a quality that you would expect from some of the top-tier printers.

Should you buy the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro?

Buy the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro if you prioritize exceptional print quality and high-resolution capabilities. Its 14k screen delivers intricate details, perfect for professionals or enthusiasts who demand precision. Tmachine'se's advanced features, like the heater and air purifier, enhance printing consistency and environmental quality.

However, don't buy it if you're looking for a modern design or if your budget is a primary concern. The traditional design might appeal to some, and its high-end features come with a price tag that may exceed the budget of casual users or those new to 3D printing.

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